Halloween is a fun holiday, but it is one inundated with sugar. From treats to pumpkin spice lattes and more, everything popular this time of year is high in sugar and could be a factor in the onset of tooth decay. Which is why your Prairie Village, KS, dentist wants to offer some tips for avoiding cavities! With the right steps, you can enjoy your spooky holiday without leaving teeth vulnerable to day and discomfort.
The Link Between Treats and Cavities
When we consume foods and drinks that contain lots of sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles that harmful oral bacteria will consume. As they break down these particles this increases oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque, a sticky material that can weaken and erode outer enamel to cause cavities. The same layers also inflame the gums, which leads to gingivitis and gum disease. But we have a few tips for protecting smiles this time of year!
Smile-Healthy Halloween
First, encourage your kids to limit how much candy they eat each day, and preferably, have them eat them after a meal, when increased saliva production can help rinse away sugar particles. They should follow their candy with a glass of water. You can also offer to buy their excess candy from them or let them trade the candy for a fun activity or toy.
Protecting Your Oral Health
You should make sure your kids continue to brush and floss daily to help remove sugar starch from their smiles and limit buildup. Everyone should brush for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste first thing when they wake up, and then again before going to bed. They also need to floss in the evening before they brush the second time to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach.
You can also schedule a checkup and cleaning, so we can examine their smiles and also remove the layers of plaque and tartar completely with a cleaning, helping them end Halloween and start the holiday season with bright and healthy smiles. Good oral hygiene habits help smiles of all ages stay strong and healthy!
If you have any questions about avoiding Halloween-related cavities, or if you want to schedule a checkup and cleaning, then contact our team today to learn more and get started.
Call Dr. Robert Browne, D.D.S. to Safeguard Your Smiles This Halloween
We want to help smiles of all ages stay strong and free of tooth decay! Talk to our team today about better oral hygiene habits or scheduling an appointment with our team. To find out more about fighting tooth decay during the spooky season or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Robert M. Browne, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585.
